Champagne cellar visits are the perfect way to get the most out of your trip to Champagne, France.
Have you ever dreamt of taking a stroll through the lush vineyards in Champagne? Or, perhaps visiting renowned cellars such as Moet & Chandon? You would be astounded by these remarkable champagne houses, wine estates and all that the knowledgeable winemakers have to offer. There is no place like Champagne; its unique culinary culture and architecture make it an idyllic destination for epicureans and nature aficionados alike.
Come explore the unparalleled beauty of the Champagne wine region with family or friends! Unearth hidden gems, amble through breathtaking cellars and appreciate tasteful craftsmanship in this unique region – while savoring some of the world’s most renowned wines at each step along your journey.
Champagne cellar visits: What to do and what to see?
If you were to discover Champagne quickly, for a couple of days for example, here are 5 visits or activities that we suggest you to include in your agenda.
Explore the best Champagne cellars
A stay in the Reims region is almost necessarily accompanied by a tasting of Champagne, where it all began. Here is our selection of the best Reims cellar visits :
- Maison Taittinger in Reims : their interpreter guides open the doors of Taittinger Champagne to you and make you discover the history of this beautiful family house and their incredible cellars.
- Maison Mumm : This magnificent champagne house offers several tours and champagne tastings ;
- Maison Ruinart : For more than two centuries, the family has cultivated the Ruinart spirit, a true jewel of the French way of life.
Several hundred thousand bottles of champagne are stored in the chalk cellars of the champagne region. Some houses are to be visited in town (such as Reims or Châlons-En-Champagne), or in the areas of the Champagne region. You will find on Winalist all the Champagne cellar visit experiences, tastings and oenological workshops that suit you.
Visit the great Champagne Houses
15 minutes from Epernay is the Château d’Étoges. Dating back to the 17th century, it retains all of its splendor today, in particular thanks to its beautiful and large gardens. You can even stay there, since the castellans welcome you from 90€ per night for a double room.
The Château de Boursault, also located near Epernay, has the distinction of also being a famous vineyard. Its monumental architecture and decorated roof make it a jewel of the region, which at the time hosted the famous dinners organized by Mrs Veuve Cliquot. Today, the château’s wine estate contains Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay grapes used to produce quality champagne while favoring sustainable viticulture.
Nautical activities at Lac du Der
Between the Marne and the Haute-Marne, the largest artificial lake in Europe is also a paradise for lovers of aquatic sensations. You can practice many activities there such sailing, water skiing, kayaking, and even diving. Fishing (and sunbathing) is also allowed!
This man-made water feature is also home to an entire ecosystem with more than 200 different species of birds, as well as a wide variety of insects and plants.
Hike and picnic among the vines
Many hiking routes mark out the Champagne region. To discover the Marne and its royal history, walk in the footsteps of Napoleon or tread the battlefields of the Great War (14-18), consult the circuits offered by the Champagne-Ardenne Tourist Office.
During your hikes and sightseeing tours, you can take the time to enjoy local food and wine during a picnic at a Winalist partner estate. Book a winegrower’s meal in a Champagne estate such as a picnic in the vineyards of Domaine Volleraux.
The towns and villages that make Champagne shine
Cellar visits in Reims
The city of Reims, just 45 minutes by train from Paris, was for centuries used for the coronation of the Kings of France. Today, it is a charming city with no less than 3 monuments classified as World Heritage by UNESCO (the cathedral, the Palais de Tau and the Saint-Rémi Museum). An almost obligatory stop for those who wish to discover the riches of the towns of Champagne, and taste a few vintages from the famous houses mentioned earlier.
Cellar visits in Epernay
Epernay, capital of Champagne will allow you to discover the many great and emblematic Champagne houses such as Champagne Moet & Chandon, Champagne de Venoge, Champagne Mercier, Champagne Leclerc Briant, Champagne Esterlin, Champagne de Castellane. You can walk on the famous Avenue de Champagne Epernay to pass in front of the majority of these houses!
Cellar visit Troyes
Troyes is one of the historic towns of Champagne. Its half-timbered houses and its Gothic cathedral transport you to another era. The city is also culturally rich with its various museums and discovery trails of the history of Champagne.
Visit of the Chalons-en Champagne cellar
If you are seeking an unforgettable experience, make sure to add Châlons-en-Champagne, Langres and Sedan to your journey. You will not regret this decision as these towns provide a unique insight into the region!
Discover champagne with Winalist
You have all the tools necessary to arrange a perfect journey in Champagne! There is no shortage of things to explore when you arrive– every tourist office has something unique and fascinating for you to discover.
With Winalist, you can dive deeper into the world of Champagne and explore its terrain with passionate vintners. Wine tourism is a remarkable yet entertaining way to uncover a region’s unique delicacies and wines, as well as the tales behind their long-standing craftsmanship. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey!
FAQ
How many days do I need in Champagne?
If you wish to have a true immersive experience in Champagne, our suggestion is to at least plan a 3-day stay. If however your schedule cannot allow it, 2 days can suffice to already have an enchanted experience in one of the most iconic wine regions of the world, and the only place on earth that produces true Champagne.
Is Champagne easily accessible?
The Champagne region is probably one of the easiest wine region to access from Paris. You can count about 45 minutes by train, and rather an 1h30 if you rent a car, to reach Reims.
When is the best time to visit Champagne?
It is your choice to make according to personal preferences. Our suggestion is to come between May and October, knowing the summer is a particularly good time to visit the region. Late September is particularly busy as the fall harvest begins, but it’s also nice to witness this wine-making key-step.